Bibliographic Instruction within Library and Discipline Associations: A Survey of Contact Persons and Committees.

Beaubien, Anne K.

The Committee on Cooperation of the Association of College and Research Libraries, Bibliographic Instruction (ACRL, BIS) devised questionnaires which were sent to library and professional associations in various academic disciplines to identify existing groups concerned with bibliographic instruction. The first questionnaire sent to current chairpersons of all ACRL sections, chapters, and discussion groups, and to other American Library Association (ALA) divisions and selected round tables, indicated that 13 ALA-related units have a committee for instruction. Only two units mentioned a discipline association with an instruction committee. Library associations outside the ALA responded, through the second questionnaire, that three associations have instruction committees or involvement. Nineteen of 74 professional associations in all major disciplines met at least one of the criteria listed in questionnaire three to determine concerns for library instruction and information. Based on these findings, the Subcommittee on Professional Organizations should concentrate on communication and cooperation within ACRL and ALA, initiating contact with discipline associations and establishing a joint committee with SLA. Detailed survey results include addresses and contact persons for programs identified; the three questionnaires are appended. (CWM)